GEORDIE pop princess Cheryl Cole ended her first solo tour on a high when she wowed an excited home crowd in Newcastle tonight (Tuesday, October 16).

The girls aloud star and X Factor judge took to the stage at the Metro Radio Arena for the first of two highly anticipated concerts that marked the end of her nationwide A Million Lights tour.

The 29-year-old from Heaton, who shot to fame in 2002 on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals, told the crowd she was thrilled to be back in Newcastle and pulled out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable night.

"Newcastle, I am so happy to be here," she said.

"This is the day I've been waiting for the whole tour.

"Geordies - let's show them how to to party!".

Wearing an array of dazzling outfits, Cole had the crowd, which included many of her own friends and family, on their feet in no time.

As well as performing all of her solo material, including Fight for this Love, Parachutes, Call My Name, Under the Sun, the nation’s sweetheart delighted fans with a medley of Girls Aloud’s greatest hits.

Cole was supported on stage by hip hop artist Tinchy Stryder, who warmed the crowd up with a string of upbeat tracks, including his latest hit Help Me.

*See Thursday's Northern Echo for a full review of the show.